Healthy Home Kit – Marta Xiloj Ajanel

Marta lives with her husband, Víctor, and their five children, Elvia (9), Roselda (7), Lisbeth (5), Andrés (4) and Marcos (2) in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá. While Víctor works in agriculture, Marta takes care of the children and the household chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit, families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter, to help them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment.

“I used to cook on an older stove that was broken for almost ten years . Because it was broken, the smoke stayed inside the kitchen, causing me and my family to suffer from respiratory diseases.” She continues, “The new one is very pretty and working great! It is big and has enough room to cook all of my dishes at once. Also, I have been able to save wood.” Marta has felt a difference in their health; no more eye irritation because the smoke no longer stays inside the kitchen.

Before receiving their new latrine, she explains that they had to share one with three other families, “Now, it is more comfortable, because we have our own, we do not have to wait to use it. ” The family has also felt a difference with their water filter. Before they drank water directly from the sink, causing the children pain from intestinal diseases. Now, it is easier and safer to drink potable water from the filter. “We are happy with our three products, and we are using them to improve our quality of life,” says Marta.

Edith refers to her time with the volunteers; “All of them where very kind,” she continues, “Thank you all for your support! May God bless you. We send our greetings to you.”